Experts warn of cyber frauds

PUNE: With instances of COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases increasing by the day, cyber experts say people should be cautious against cyber attacks and cheats trying to exploit the situation. 

The experts say that as Coronavirus fears have forced many companies into letting employees work from home, fraudsters may try to exploit remote connections of employees. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO)  recently alerted people about phishing emails. One such alert said that ‘WHO is aware of suspicious email messages attempting to take advantage of COVID-19 emergency.’ This fraudulent action is called phishing. Such emails will ask you to give sensitive information, such as usernames or passwords, click a malicious link, or open a malicious attachment.”

WHO has asked people to take precautions and verify emails before sharing any information. Founder and CEO of Data Ingenious Global, Dr Ajay Data said, “Hackers are going into overdrive during the outbreak of Covid-19 and therefore the most effective way to protect against phishing in the times of Covid-19 pandemic is to be vigilant while working online. Apart from the individual, the company data is also at stake.”

Hackers are capitalizing on the panic due to coronavirus and are spreading malware to steal data from unsuspecting users.

“Emails with attachments, originating from unknown sources can be cyber attacks. First, we need to avoid downloading attachments coming from unknown sources. These downloads can release malware that infects the system. These emails also prompt you to manually enter email login details, resulting in users unwittingly compromising their data,” said Data.  

Cyber security expert Harold D’Costa said, “Indeed people should keep themselves safe from cheats who are trying to exploit such a situation. We are aware of the Bhiwandi incident in which a furniture shop owner claimed that mattresses sold at his shop cures coronavirus as it acts as a disinfectant.”

TIPS TO AVOID PHISHING ATTACK
- Implement security solutions that protect the company’s email environment.
- Do not click on any unknown link and do not enter your information in any unknown link.